News Mash-up: Political Leaders

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. term limit / tɜrm ˈlɪm ɪt / (n.) – the legal limit for the number of times a person can hold a government office
    Example:

    Before the city created term limits, one mayor was in charge for over 35 years.


  2. rubber-stamp / ˈrʌb ər stæmp / (v.) – to officially approve or allow something without giving it much thought
    Example:

    The committee just rubber-stamped the plan; there’s no way they read all 300 pages in one hour.


  3. monarch / ˈmɒn ərk / (n.) – someone who rules an empire, kingdom, or nation
    Example:

    The founders of the US chose to have a president instead of a monarch.


  4. undermine / ˈʌn dərˌmaɪn / (v.) – to gradually make someone or something less confident, less successful, or less effective
    Example:

    The scandal undermined the investors’ confidence in the company.


  5. liaise with (someone) / liˈeɪz wɪð / (phrasal v.) – to maintain communication with a person or group to exchange information and work with him/her/them
    Example:

    Local officials are going to liaise with the police to maintain order during the festival.


Article

Read the text below.

Putin signs law allowing him more terms as leader


Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 5 signed a law allowing him to potentially hold onto power until 2036, a move that formalizes constitutional changes endorsed in a vote last year.


The July 1 constitutional vote included a provision that reset Putin’s previous term limits, allowing him to run for president two more times. The change was rubber-stamped by the Kremlin-controlled legislature and the relevant law signed by Putin was posted April 5 on an official portal of legal information.


Putin, 68, has been in power for more than two decades. (AP)


Jordan’s Prince Hamza pledges allegiance to king


Jordan’s Prince Hamza pledged allegiance to King Abdullah on April 5 after mediation by the royal family, two days after he was placed under house arrest and accused of trying to destabilize the country.


The prince signed a letter in which he placed himself at the monarch’s disposal after a meeting with other princes, the royal court said.


On April 3, the military warned the prince over actions it said were undermining “security and stability” in Jordan. Officials said April 4 he had liaised with people who had contacts with foreign parties in a plot to destabilize Jordan. (AP)


These articles were provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Do you think term limits are necessary for political leaders? If so, how long should they be (ex. one term, three terms)? Why? Discuss.
  • Putin signed the law that reset his previous term limits and now allows him to run for president two more times. In your opinion, should political leaders be allowed to sign laws that affect themselves (ex. term limits, pay increases), or should the laws only come into effect after they leave office? Why? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Prince Hamza was accused of trying to destabilize the country, but some people, including Queen Noor, have said that it was all a lie. Do you think there’s any way for Prince Hamza to prove if he’s truly innocent? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Prince Hamza was placed under house arrest instead of being sent to jail. Do you think house arrest should be an option for more people accused of crimes? Why or why not? Discuss.